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We meet Mary and Martha for the first time here in Luke. No mention is made of Lazarus—we won’t meet him until the next chapter. Here, both sisters attend to Jesus in different ways with Mary receiving Jesus’ commendation. Much has been made of how the sisters differ in their attention to Jesus. What if the story is more about Jesus’ attention to them? Let’s see!

  • We talk about how things ‘grab’ our attention. Describe a time when your attention was ‘grabbed.’ What about the experience was so compelling? In what ways were you drawn into the moment?
  • Neither Martha nor Mary are ignoring Jesus; Martha pays him attention by showing hospitality (not to show hospitality would have been scandalous!) and Mary by listening. Jesus pronounces Mary’s attention better suited to the moment. What about this moment commends Mary’s action? (Hint: see Matthew 26:11).
  • Something interesting is Martha’s complaint to Jesus is akin to the disciples’ as they beg Jesus to do something to save them from the storm threatening to swamp their boat. What are Martha and the disciples getting wrong about Jesus as they make their complaints? What can you learn about this mistake to enhance your trust in Jesus?

Next Step: What’s one thing you can do this week to live out your trust in Jesus?

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